The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, Jan. 21, expanded its search and rescue operation for 15 more missing passengers and crew of the recreational motorbanca (MBCA) “AMEJARA” as a lone survivor recounted how strong winds and currents caused the vessel to capsize in the Davao Gulf.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said MBCA Amejara was carrying 16 individuals onboard, not 13 as initially reported. Of those onboard, 12 were passengers and four crew members.

“Yesterday, we were able to rescue one crew of MBCA Amejara. Today, we are continuing the aerial search and rescue operations for the 15 remaining missing individuals with the help of different agencies,” Cayabyab said.

She said the search area was expanded after the survivor was found far south of the initial search zone.

“The search area has already been expanded since we also included possible drift zones. The survivor was recovered in the southern area so this was probably affected by the current in the area,” she said.

The PCG said it would also investigate reports that MBCA Amejara sailed without a PCG clearance. The vessel was reportedly not allowed to venture out due to the absence of a permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), but still sailed.

Based on an inquiry from the survivor, MBCA Amejara departed Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City at 8 p.m. on January 17 and was bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. It was expected to arrive on Jan. 19.

“The passengers are tourists. This was a rented recreational boat and it was mentioned to us that the group intended to do recreational fishing,” Cayabyab said.

However, on their way to Governor Generoso, the recreational boat experienced strong winds and currents, as well as tall waves, in the Davao Gulf on Jan. 19, which ultimately led to its capsizing.

The incident was reported to the PCG at around 2 p.m. on Jan. 19, prompting officials to conduct search and rescue operations.

Approximately 21 hours into the search, the PCG finally found a crew member identified as Christoper Bulig in waters approximately 70 nautical miles from the shoreline off Barangay Laker, Sarangani at 10:46 a.m. on Jan. 20.

“From their initial location in the Davao Gulf, there is a possibility that because of the amihan (northeast monsoon) and the relatively strong current, they were drifted or pulled south toward Sarangani, which is where we were able to locate the survivor,” Cayabyab said.

“It is quite far. From Sarangani, the distance from the shoreline is almost 70 nautical miles so the crew member we rescued yesterday drifted because of the current. Now, in determining our search pattern, we also consider sea conditions, wave action, currents, and wind, because these can change the location or drifting zone of those we are searching for,” she added.

According to the survivor, most of the individuals were able to hold on to floating debris when the boat capsized.

“They grouped themselves together in the area of the Davao Gulf while waiting for a chance to get a phone signal,” Cayabyab said, recounting the survivor’s tale.

The survivor later separated from the group and attempted to swim toward the shore.

“He decided to swim and separate from the group. He intended to reach the shoreline. But due to the strong current, he drifted toward Sarangani Island,” Cayabyab said.

She said the survivor became exhausted and stayed afloat overnight. “He said he felt exhausted at that time. He floated almost the entire night until we recovered him the following morning,” she added.

As of Jan. 21, there had been no sighting of the remaining 15 missing individuals. The PCG said there were no confirmed reports of debris that could point to their location.

The PCG deployed 24 floating assets and one aircraft for the operation including BRP Malamawi, BRP Panglao, several motorbancas and rigid hull inflatable boats, Philippine Navy (PN) vessels, and a Philippine Air Force (PAF) S-70i Black Hawk helicopter.

“The PCG is still in high hopes. We will exert all our efforts and all our resources. We are working with different agencies and volunteer fisherfolk communities. The PCG will not stop because we understand that time is of the essence. Every second is important,” Cayabyab said.

A notice to mariners has also been issued in case there are sightings of debris or survivors.

“We requested all vessels transiting the area to be on the lookout. Our objective is to locate all the missing individuals and ensure their safety,” Cayabyab said.